Roberto Firmino has opened up on just how close he came to joining Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool in 2023
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is interviewed by TNT Sports Brasil
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is interviewed by TNT Sports Brasil(Image: TNT Sports Brasil)
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Roberto Firmino has revealed why he did not join Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool. The Reds legend called time on his Anfield career in the summer of 2023, departing at the end of his contract following eight trophy-laden seasons on Merseyside.
The Brazilian returned 111 goals and 72 assists from 362 appearances during his time with Liverpool, and helped fire the Reds to every major honour - including both the Premier League and Champions League - as he formed a deadly attacking triumvirate with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
But after falling down the pecking order during his final seasons at the club, he opted to move on after failing to agree a new contract with the Reds. The 34-year-old moved to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer as he signed for Al-Ahli, and captained the club to AFC Champions League glory last season.
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But after being left out of their Saudi Pro League squad for the second half of the campaign, he was on the move again last summer as he signed for Qatari side Al Sadd.
Firmino has now revealed he had interest from Real Madrid both in the summers of 2023 and 2025. But he ultimately decided against a move to the Bernabeu on both occasions as he was not their first-choice target.
“There was, of course (interest from Real Madrid),” he told TNT Sports Brasil. “To be honest, there was interest.
“My agency told me about it. And yes, it was recent, again, recently, but not like before, you know, when there was that offer to go to Arabia.
“Back then there was real interest from Madrid. But there were a lot of factors.
“I wasn’t the first or even the second option, so I would have had to wait quite a bit. Not that I’m impatient, but I had to wait, you know?
“Then the offer from Al-Ahli came, and I had to pray and think if that was really the right thing.
“So, that’s how it happened – I went to Arabia, and I believe the purpose was fulfilled there. I think that’s what was meant to happen.
“Of course Real Madrid is a massive club. It would have been a great honour and pleasure to play for Real Madrid.”